Hand

The surname Hand is of Old English origin, deriving from the word "hand", which refers to the anatomical part of the upper limb between the wrist and fingers. It is a toponymic name, meaning that it was originally given to people based on their place of origin.

The Hand surname is thought to have originated in various regions in England, including Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Devon. The name may have been given to someone who lived near a physical feature resembling a hand, such as a hill or a rock formation. Alternatively, it could have been a nickname for someone with a deformity or injury to their hand.

The first documented recording of the Hand surname dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where a Leofwin Hand is mentioned in the county of Kent. Over the centuries, the name has evolved and spread throughout England and beyond, with variations such as Hands and Hant also being found.

Individuals bearing the Hand surname have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, literature, and the arts. Notable bearers of the name include Samuel Hand, an 18th-century British politician, and Tom Hand, a renowned British author and poet.

Today, the Hand surname continues to be fairly common in the United Kingdom and is borne by people from diverse backgrounds and professions. The name serves as a reminder of the rich history and cultural heritage of the British Isles.

There are approximately 6,846 people named Hand in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,377th most common surname in Britain. Around 105 in a million people in Britain are named Hand.

Surname type: Nickname

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen
  • Thomas

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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